How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
A cot is a baby's first bed, and will be their bed until they reach around four years old. You want it to be sturdy, comfortable and safe.
Make sure it is a gap-free mattress, because gaps can be an suffocation hazard for infants. Also, look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite folding cot is one of the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is nearly a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much simpler to set up - the two primary poles connect like unusually bulky tent poles complete with shock cord to help keep them in place and slide into sleeves on their connected legs. You just need to put your feet on them to make the sleeping area.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to take apart - you need to be able to lift the legs and then it takes some effort to take apart the frame itself. It's not a major issue and I'm convinced that it's the best lightweight frame I've tested.
If you're looking for something that's a little more robust and long-lasting, take an examination of the various models of cot beds that are available on the market. If you decide to go with this option, you will need to buy a separate bed for your child after some time.
Some children prefer to stay in a cot for longer than this, though most are keen to get their first single bed - which could be presented as a 'prize for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleeping environment for infants and young children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together, has no small parts to get lost, and is sturdy enough to hold children without worry about moving parts.
Double Cot
A double cot is ideal for twins or siblings that require sleeping together. It comes with the same safety features as a single cot including side rails and a slatted base that can be adjusted as your child grows. It comes with multiple support areas, so you can tailor it to your child's specific needs. Moreover, this is the only cot that we tested that is designed to accommodate multiple infants at once, as it can fit two babies as big as 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a major selling point for families who will require sharing space with more than one baby.
One feature that many parents adore about this cot is that it can be converted into a toddler bed, and later into a junior bed, giving it an extended lifespan and meaning that you won't need to purchase another new bed. This is great for those who have a tight budget and will save money as your child grows.
The majority of health professionals recommend cot beds since they provide the greatest safety for your child. The cot bed is designed to be used until your child reaches 2 years. After that, it needs to be converted into an adult bed or a toddler bed.
This is the only cot we tested with an adjustable base. The base is adjustable to the lowest setting from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll over. This is a vital feature as children can suffocate if their head becomes trapped between gaps or protrusions inside the cot.
best cot bed is that it can be difficult to fold and can be a challenge to get the legs in place. It is also the largest cot on our list and is a bit heavy to carry when you need to move it from its storage area.
This luxury wooden cot is the ideal option if you're looking for a cot with all the features. It's a stunning piece of furniture that elevates design, comfort and utility in your living space. It looks gorgeous in any nursery and will blend well with different styles of bedrooms for kids once your baby outgrows it.
Triple Cot
Cots provide the safety and security of a sleeping environment for your newborn and ensure that they get the rest they require. They are typically lower than beds, with the base being able to be raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. Some cots come with a drop side which allows you to safely co-sleep with your newborn and makes it easier to have nighttime feedings. Some cots even offer the option of removing one of the sides completely, which could allow you to use it as a bassinet and create a safer alternative to co-sleeping with your baby in your bed.
Some cots have additional features that make life easier for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot which is ideal for storage or keeping your essentials close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to safeguard infants who are teething, and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight incline for babies with reflux. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed It is gorgeous to look at thanks to its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish. It is also super practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is vital for all babies therefore it's worth the time finding the right cot or crib for your newborn. Take part in an NCT New Baby Course to discover more about the various options available and discuss them with other parents and a qualified group leader.
When buying a cot there are a variety of factors to take into consideration. This includes the cot's depth and sides as well as its storage capacity, whether the cot has a removable hood and if the cot has bedding. It is also worth double checking the dimensions to ensure that your baby's crib or cot can fit in your bedroom or nursery, with plenty of room for movement and not too close to heat sources or windows.
Quadruple Cot
If you are expecting triplets or twins then you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can accommodate four babies simultaneously and include bedding sets that help you get your kids ready for bed. Many also feature the option of a side rail that can be removed which allows you to put your child near you while they rest. If you have other children You may consider one with a bunk that can be converted into an individual bed.
A lot of cots come with an adjustable mattress that can be adjusted to meet your baby's size. This is a great option if you're worried your baby may slip during the night, and also beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. A lot of cot mattresses are made out of natural materials, such as wool or cotton, but there are some that make use of polyurethane foam, too.
It's a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides, which will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the length of the bars too, as these should not exceed 6.5cm apart to keep your baby from climbing out. Also, avoid cots with solid head and foot boards because they can hold limbs or clothing.
Another crucial aspect to consider is how easy the cot is to clean. Find out if it can be washed in the machine and what the care instructions are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. You'll also have to consider whether your standard bedding for your cot is suitable or if you'll have to purchase specialized travel cot sheets.
Babies require a lot of toys including nappies (which can quickly become a burden!) Bedding, clothes and toys. A cot with storage space, such as the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will help you keep everything neatly organised and easily accessible.
